Court Rejects Pakistan Ex-Leader Musharraf's Health Plea

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Jan. 31, 2014, 4:44 PM GMT

ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan's former military ruler Pervez Musharraf will not be allowed to travel to the United States to seek treatment for his heart condition after a court issued another warrant for his arrest Friday.

Musharraf is charged with treason but his hearings have been postponed four times because of concerns about security and, in the latter court case, what he claims is his poor health.

But on Friday the court rejected this plea. The three-member special court concluded that based on his medical report he would have no restrictions on his movement or ability to appear in front of the court.

The court also issued a warrant for his arrest, but said he could avoid this if he filled in a bail application within a set time.

Musharraf's lawyer Chaudry Faisal told NBC News the court had ordered his client to appear again in front of the court on Feb. 7. He said the former ruler would have to pay $25,000 to avoid further arrest.

Prosecutors say Musharraf violated the constitution when he imposed emergency rule in 2007. It is the first treason court case held in Pakistan, and if found guilty the former general could be executed.

An international team of lawyers has claimed the case is a "show trial" concocted by Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.